How often is this some govt prosecutor trying to save face after realizing they were wrong? I.e., okay you're not a criminal but how about you say you didn't do

How often is this some govt prosecutor trying to save face after realizing they were wrong? I.e., okay you're not a criminal but how about you say you didn't dot your i's and cross your t's in some bullshit paperwork and we won't drag you though legal hell so that I get to tell my boss I didn't completely waste the government's time?